“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
The apostle Paul
This epistle (letter) was written by the apostle Paul to a co-worker in the kingdom of God, he was a close friend, a confidant, and a protégé. Due to the instructional content leaning towards information regarding church leadership, many have made the mistake of classifying this epistle as a “pastoral letter,” that of applying to only those in church leadership. Paul does address oversight responsibilities but his instruction also touches on subjects that he does not cover in any of his other epistles. I believe that the time to review both ‘Timothy’ epistles would be a worthwhile investment for any believer. Paul tells us that the reason he wrote this first epistle is so that Timothy would “know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15, NLT)
In case you’re new to Paul’s epistles I recommend reading Acts 9:1-31 to understand his background (see also Ephesian commentary regarding Paul). Paul wrote to seven churches (two of the churches twice) and three individuals (one of them twice, yes, that would be Timothy) for a total of thirteen epistles. Some theologians add the book of Hebrews to that list, but the author never identified himself, so it remains unknown (but we also know that most of the other epistle writers did not identify themselves either, it’s just that Paul usually did is why many believe the book was written by someone else).
A Commentary on the First Epistle to Timothy © 2025 by David A. Heywood. All rights reserved. Published by Rediscover the Bible Ministries, Inc.
Unless otherwise noted or verses marked ESV, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2016 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.
Verses marked NASB are taken from The New American Standard Bible® Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation A Corporation Not for Profit, La Habra, California. All Rights reserved. www.lockman.org
Verses marked NET are taken from The NET Bible (Second Edition). Copyright © 1996, 2006, 2019. Used by permission of Biblical Studies Press. Thomas Nelson.
Verses marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation. Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I. Chapter One
A. Greeting (1 Timothy 1:1-2)
B. Warning False Teachers Have Arrived (1 Timothy 1:3-11)
C. Jesus Came Into the World to Save Sinners (1 Timothy 1:12-17)
D. A Charge for Timothy (1 Timothy 1:8-20)
II. Chapter Two
A. Of First Importance: Pray! (1 Timothy 2:1-7)
B. While Speaking of Decorum (1 Timothy 2:8-15)
III. Chapter Three
A. Qualifications for Overseers (1 Timothy 3:1-7)
B. Qualifications for Deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-13)
C. The Mystery of Godliness (1 Timothy 3:14-16)
IV. Chapter Four
A. Some Will Depart from the Faith (1 Timothy 4:1-5)
B. Train for Godliness (1 Timothy 4:6-10)
C. Command and Teach (1 Timothy 4:11-16)
V. Chapter Five
A. Personal Interactions (1 Timothy 5:1-2)
B. Instruction Regarding Widows (1 Timothy 5:3-16)
C. Instruction Regarding Elders (1 Timothy 5:17-25)
VI. Chapter Six
A. Instruction Regarding Bondservants (1 Timothy 6:1-2a)
B. Teach These Things (1 Timothy 6:2b-10)
C. Fight the Good Fight of the Faith (1 Timothy 6:11-21)